U.S. patent number 5,422,936 [Application Number 07/936,455] was granted by the patent office on 1995-06-06 for enhanced message service indication.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.. Invention is credited to Douglas J. Atwell.
United States Patent |
5,422,936 |
Atwell |
June 6, 1995 |
Enhanced message service indication
Abstract
The present invention provides improved communication systems
and call processing methods wherein each subscriber to a multiple
directory number per line (MDNL) type service and to a message
storage and retrieval service individually selects how these two
services will interact. Specifically, the subscriber has the option
to set control data for selecting which directory number the
switching system transmits at the time of forwarding calls to the
system which provides the message service. If the subscriber
selects a first option, the switching system transmits the
directory number actually dialed to the message service system. If
the subscriber selects a second option, the switching system
transmits a predetermined one of the assigned directory numbers to
the message service system. In one embodiment, the system also
offers the subscriber a third option. If the subscriber selects the
third option, the communication system will in some way prevent the
storage of messages by the service system if the caller has dialed
a preselected one of the assigned directory numbers.
Inventors: |
Atwell; Douglas J. (Fairfax
County, VA) |
Assignee: |
Bell Atlantic Network Services,
Inc. (Arlington, VA)
|
Family
ID: |
25468664 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/936,455 |
Filed: |
August 28, 1992 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
379/88.23;
379/211.02; 379/88.25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M
3/533 (20130101); H04M 3/54 (20130101); H04M
9/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04M
3/50 (20060101); H04M 3/54 (20060101); H04M
3/533 (20060101); H04M 9/02 (20060101); H04M
003/54 () |
Field of
Search: |
;379/67,88,89,201,211,212,373,375,210,372 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Dwyer; James L.
Assistant Examiner: Tsang; Fan
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lowe, Price, LeBlanc &
Becker
Claims
I claim:
1. A method of call processing in a communication system including
at least one switching system connected to a plurality of
subscriber lines and at least one message service system connected
to the at least one switching system, said method of call
processing comprising the steps of:
determining that a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber lines should be forwarded to the
message service system;
determining if the one line has been assigned a plurality of
directory numbers;
determining which of the following options a subscriber associated
with the one line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system, and
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one line for all calls forwarded to the
message service system;
forwarding said call directed to one of the subscriber lines to the
message service system; and
transmitting either the dialed directory number or the
predetermined one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to
the one line to the message service system based on whether the
subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1) or
option (2).
2. A method of call processing in a communication system including
at least one switching system connected to a plurality of
subscriber lines and at least one message service system connected
to the at least one switching system, said method of call
processing comprising the steps of:
determining that a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber lines should be forwarded to the
message service system;
determining if the one line has been assigned a plurality of
directory numbers;
determining which of the following options a subscriber associated
with the one line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system, and
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one line for all calls forwarded to the
message service system;
forwarding said call directed to one of the subscriber lines to the
message service system;
transmitting either the dialed directory number or the
predetermined one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to
the one line to the message service system based on whether the
subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1) or
option (2); and
completing the forwarded call to the message service system and
storing a message in a mailbox corresponding to the transmitted
directory number, such that
if the subscriber associated with the one line has selected
transmitting of the dialed directory number to the message service
system for each forwarded call, the message stored as result of the
call is stored in one of a plurality of mailboxes associated the
one line based on which one of the plurality of directory numbers
assigned to the one subscriber line corresponds to the dialed
directory numbers, and
if the subscriber associated with the one line has selected
transmitting the predetermined one directory number to the message
service system for all forwarded calls, the message stored as
result of the call is always stored in a single mailbox assigned to
the one subscriber line.
3. A method of call processing in a communication system including
at least one switching system connected to a plurality of
subscriber lines and at least one message service system connected
to the at least one switching system, said method of call
processing comprising the steps of:
determining that a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber lines should be forwarded to the
message service system;
determining if the one line has been assigned a plurality of
directory numbers;
determining which of the following options a subscriber associated
with the one line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system, and
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one line for all calls forwarded to the
message service system;
forwarding said call directed to one of the subscriber lines to the
message service system; and
transmitting either the dialed directory number or the
predetermined one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to
the one line to the message service system based on whether the
subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1) or
option (2); and
completing the forwarded call to the message service system and
storing a message in a mailbox corresponding to the transmitted
directory number, such that if the subscriber associated with the
one line has selected forwarding of the dialed directory number to
the message service system for each forwarded call, the message
stored as result of the call is stored in one of a plurality of
different types of mailboxes associated the one subscriber line
based on which one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned
to the one line the message service system actually receives.
4. A method as in claim 3, wherein one of said plurality of
different types of mailboxes is a mailbox for storing audible
messages, and another of said plurality of different types of
mailboxes is a mailbox for storing a type of data message.
5. A method as in claim 4, wherein the mailbox for storing a type
of data message stores facsimile messages.
6. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of determining if the
call should be forwarded comprises the step of determining if the
one subscriber line is busy.
7. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of determining if the
call should be forwarded comprises the step of determining if there
is no answer of the call on the one line after a predetermined
number of rings, said predetermined number of rings having been
previously specified by the subscriber associated with the one
line.
8. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of determining if the
call should be forwarded comprises the step of determining if a
variable call forwarding option has been activated instructing the
network to forward calls until deactivated.
9. A method of call processing in a communication system including
at least one switching system connected to a plurality of
subscriber lines and at least one message service system connected
to the at least one switching system, said method of call
processing comprising the steps of:
determining that a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber lines should be forwarded to the
message service system;
determining if the one line has been assigned a plurality of
directory numbers, by accessing a translation table of stored data
relating to services provided to the subscriber associated with the
one line;
determining which of the following options a subscriber associated
with the one line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system, and
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one line for all calls forwarded to the
message service system;
forwarding said call directed to one of the subscriber lines to the
message service system; and
transmitting either the dialed directory number or the
predetermined one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to
the one line to the message service system based on whether the
subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1) or
option (2).
10. A method of call processing in a communication system including
at least one switching system connected to a plurality of
subscriber lines and at least one message service system connected
to the at least one switching system, said method of call
processing comprising the steps of:
determining that a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber lines should be forwarded to the
message service system;
determining if the one line has been assigned a plurality of
directory numbers;
accessing a translation table of stored data relating to services
provided to a subscriber associated with the one line to determine
which of the following options the subscriber associated with the
one line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system, and
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one line for all calls forwarded to the
message service system;
forwarding said call directed to one of the subscriber lines to the
message service system; and
transmitting either the dialed directory number or the
predetermined one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to
the one line to the message service system based on whether the
subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1) or
option (2).
11. A method as in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
subscriber lines is a telephone line and each of the plurality of
directory numbers comprises a telephone number.
12. A method of call processing in a communication system including
at least one switching system connected to a plurality of
subscriber lines and at least one message service system connected
to the at least one switching system, said method of call
processing comprising the steps of:
determining if a call initiated by dialing of a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber lines should be forwarded to the
message service system;
determining if the one line has been assigned a plurality of
directory numbers;
determining which of the following options a subscriber associated
with the one line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system,
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one line for all calls forwarded to the
message service system, and
(3) transmitting one of the directory numbers assigned to the one
line to the message service system unless the dialed directory
number corresponds to a preselected one of the plurality of
directory numbers assigned to the one line;
if the subscriber associated with the one line has selected option
(1) or option (2), forwarding the call to the message service
system, and transmitting either the dialed directory number or the
predetermined one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to
the one line to the message service system based on whether the
subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1) or
option (2);
if the subscriber associated with the one line has selected option
(3) and the dialed directory number does not correspond to said
preselected one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to
the one line, forwarding the call to the message service system,
and transmitting one of the directory numbers assigned to the one
line to the message service system; and
if the subscriber associated with the one line has selected option
(3) and the dialed directory number corresponds to said preselected
one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one line,
preventing effective forwarding of the call to the message service
system.
13. A method as in claim 12, wherein the preventing of effective
forwarding of the call to the message service system comprises
forwarding the call to the message service system and transmitting
no directory number to the message service system.
14. A method as in claim 12, wherein the preventing of effective
forwarding of the call to the message service system comprises
blocking forwarding of the call to the message service system.
15. A method as in claim 12, wherein if the subscriber associated
with the one line has selected option (3) and the dialed directory
number does not correspond to said preselected one of the plurality
of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber line, the
directory number transmitted to the message service system is the
dialed directory number.
16. A method as in claim 12, wherein if the subscriber associated
with the one line has selected option (3) and the dialed directory
number does not correspond to said preselected one of the plurality
of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber line, the
directory number transmitted to the message service system is a
pre-specified one of the directory numbers assigned to the one
line.
17. A communication system comprising:
a plurality of subscriber communication lines;
a message service system for storing incoming messages in a
plurality of mailboxes;
a switching system providing selective communication connections
between said plurality of subscriber communication lines; and
means for connecting the message service system to the switching
system such that said switching system also selectively provides
communication connections between the message service system and
the subscriber communication lines, wherein:
said switching system comprises programmed control means for
responding to a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber communication lines by
determining if forwarding of the call is necessary;
said programmed control means also determines if the one subscriber
communication line has been assigned a plurality of directory
numbers;
said programmed control means also determines which of the
following options a subscriber associated with the one subscriber
communication line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system, and
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one subscriber communication line for all
calls forwarded to the message service system;
said switching system further comprises means for forwarding the
call to the message service system, and means for transmitting
either the dialed directory number or the predetermined one of the
plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication line to the message service system based on whether
the subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1)
or option (2); and
said message service system comprises means for storing an incoming
message in an appropriate one of the mailboxes in response to the
number transmitted to the message service system.
18. A communication system comprising:
a plurality of subscriber communication lines;
a message service system for storing incoming messages in a
plurality of mailboxes;
a switching system providing selective communication connections
between said plurality of subscriber communication lines; and
means for connecting the message service system to the switching
system such that said switching system also selectively provides
communication connections between the message service system and
the subscriber communication lines, wherein:
said switching system comprises programmed control means for
responding to a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber communication lines by
determining if forwarding of the call is necessary;
said programmed control means also determines if the one subscriber
communication line has been assigned a plurality of directory
numbers;
said programmed control means also determines which of the
following options a subscriber associated with the one subscriber
communication line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system, and
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one subscriber communication line for all
calls forwarded to the message service system;
said switching system further comprises means for forwarding the
call to the message service system, and means for transmitting
either the dialed directory number or the predetermined one of the
plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication line to the message service system based on whether
the subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1)
or option (2); and
said message service system comprises means for storing an incoming
message in an appropriate one of the mailboxes in response to the
number transmitted to the message service system, wherein the means
for storing an incoming message in an appropriate one of the
mailboxes comprises:
means for storing the message received during the forwarded call in
one of a plurality of mailboxes associated the one subscriber
communication line based on which one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one subscriber communication line the
message service system actually receives, if the subscriber
associated with the one line has selected option (1); and
means for storing the message received as result of the call in a
single mailbox associated with the one subscriber communication
line, if the subscriber associated with the one line has selected
option (2).
19. A communication system as in claim 17, wherein the switching
system comprises at least one central office telephone switch.
20. A communication system as in claim 19, wherein the subscriber
communication lines comprise telephone lines.
21. A communication system as in claim 17, wherein the message
service system comprises means for storing audible messages.
22. A communication system comprising:
a plurality of subscriber communication lines;
a message service system for storing incoming messages in a
plurality of mailboxes, wherein the message service system
comprises means for storing data messages;
a switching system providing selective communication connections
between said plurality of subscriber communication lines; and
means for connecting the message service system to the switching
system such that said switching system also selectively provides
communication connections between the message service system and
the subscriber communication lines, wherein:
said switching system comprises programmed control means for
responding to a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber communication lines by
determining if forwarding of the call is necessary;
said programmed control means also determines if the one subscriber
communication line has been assigned a plurality of directory
numbers;
said programmed control means also determines which of the
following options a subscriber associated with the one subscriber
communication line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system, and
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one subscriber communication line for all
calls forwarded to the message service system;
said switching system further comprises means for forwarding the
call to the message service system, and means for transmitting
either the dialed directory number or the predetermined one of the
plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication line to the message service system based on whether
the subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1)
or option (2); and
said message service system comprises means for storing an incoming
message in an appropriate one of the mailboxes in response to the
number transmitted to the message service system.
23. A communication system as in claim 22, wherein the means for
storing data messages comprises means for storing facsimile
messages.
24. A communication system comprising:
a plurality of subscriber communication lines;
a message service system for storing incoming messages in a
plurality of mailboxes;
a switching system providing selective communication connections
between said plurality of subscriber communication lines; and
means for connecting the message service system to the switching
system such that said switching .system also selectively provides
communication connections between the message service system and
the subscriber communication lines, wherein:
said switching system comprises programmed control means for
responding to a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber communication lines by
determining if forwarding of the call is necessary;
said programmed control means also determines if the one subscriber
communication line has been assigned a plurality of directory
numbers;
said programmed control means also determines which of the
following options a subscriber associated with the one subscriber
communication line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system, and
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one subscriber communication line for all
calls forwarded to the message service system;
said switching system further comprises means for forwarding the
call to the message service system, and means for transmitting
either the dialed directory number or the predetermined one of the
plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication line to the message service system based on whether
the subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1)
or option (2); and
said message service system comprises means for storing an incoming
message in an appropriate one of the mailboxes in response to the
number transmitted to the message service system, wherein the means
for storing an incoming message in an appropriate one of the
mailboxes comprises:
means for storing the message received during the forwarded call in
either a means for storing audible messages or a means for storing
data messages based on which one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one subscriber line the message service
system actually receives, if the subscriber associated with the one
line has selected forwarding of the dialed directory number to the
message service system.
25. A communication system as in claim 24, wherein the means for
storing data messages comprises means for storing facsimile
messages.
26. A communication system comprising:
a plurality of subscriber communication lines;
a message service system for storing incoming messages in a
plurality of mailboxes;
a switching system providing selective communication connections
between said plurality of subscriber communication lines; and
means for connecting the message service system to the switching
system such that said switching system also selectively provides
communication connections between the message service system and
the subscriber communication lines, the means for connecting the
message service system to the switching system comprising a
multi-line hunt group, wherein:
said switching system comprises programmed control means for
responding to a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber communication lines by
determining if forwarding of the call is necessary;
said programmed control means also determines if the one subscriber
communication line has been assigned a plurality of directory
numbers;
said programmed control means also determines which of the
following options a subscriber associated with the one subscriber
communication line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system, and
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one subscriber communication line for all
calls forwarded to the message service system;
said switching system further comprises means for forwarding the
call to the message service system, and means for transmitting
either the dialed directory number or the predetermined one of the
plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication line to the message service system based on whether
the subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1)
or option (2); and
said message service system comprises means for storing an incoming
message in an appropriate one of the mailboxes in response to the
number transmitted to the message service system.
27. A communication system as in claim 26, wherein the means for
connecting the message service system to the switching system
further comprises a data communication link for carrying the number
transmitted from the switching system to the message service
system.
28. A communication system as in claim 27, wherein the data
communication link comprises a simplified message desk interface
(SMDI).
29. A communication system comprising:
a plurality of subscriber communication lines;
a message service system for storing incoming messages in a
plurality of mailboxes;
a switching system providing selective communication connections
between said plurality of subscriber communication lines; and
means for connecting the message service system to the switching
system such that said switching system also selectively provides
communication connections between the message service system and
the subscriber communication lines, wherein:
said switching system comprises programmed control means for
responding to a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber communication lines by
determining if forwarding of the call is necessary;
said programmed control means also determines if the one subscriber
communication line has been assigned a plurality of directory
numbers;
said programmed control means also determines which of the
following options a subscriber associated with the one subscriber
communication line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system, and
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one subscriber communication line for all
calls forwarded to the message service system;
the programmed control means comprises: means for storing data, set
at the subscriber's option, to indicate whether the subscriber
selected option (1) or option (2); and means to access the stored
data during call processing to determine which of the options the
subscriber associated with the one subscriber communication line
has selected;
said switching system further comprises means for forwarding the
call to the message service system, and means for transmitting
either the dialed directory number or the predetermined one of the
plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication line to the message service system based on whether
the subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1)
or option (2); and
said message service system comprises means for storing an incoming
message in an appropriate one of the mailboxes in response to the
number transmitted to the message service system.
30. A communication system as in claim 29, wherein the means for
storing data comprises means for storing a translation table of
data relating to services provided to a particular subscriber's
communication line and one item of information stored in the
translation table is the subscriber's selected option as to whether
to always transmit the predetermined number or to always transmit
the dialed directory number.
31. A communication system as in claim 30, wherein another item of
information stored in the translation table is whether a call
forwarding service is provided to the particular subscriber's
communication line.
32. A communication system comprising:
a plurality of subscriber communication lines;
a message service system for storing incoming messages in a
plurality of mailboxes;
a switching system providing selective communication connections
between said plurality of subscriber communication lines; and
means for connecting the message service system to the switching
system such that said switching system selectively provides
communication connections between the message service system and
the subscriber communication lines, wherein:
said switching system comprises programmed control means for
responding to a call initiated by dialing a directory number
assigned to one of the subscriber communication lines by
determining if forwarding of the call is necessary;
said programmed control means also determines if the one subscriber
communication line has been assigned a plurality of directory
numbers;
said programmed control means also determines which of the
following options a subscriber associated with the one subscriber
communication line has selected:
(1) transmitting the dialed directory number for each call
forwarded to the message service system,
(2) transmitting a predetermined one of the plurality of directory
numbers assigned to the one subscriber communication line for all
calls forwarded to the message service system, and
(3) transmitting one of the directory numbers assigned to the one
subscriber communication line to the message service system unless
the dialed directory number corresponds to a preselected one of the
plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication line;
said switching system further comprises means for forwarding the
call to the message service system, and means for transmitting
either the dialed directory number or the predetermined one of the
plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication line to the message service system based on whether
the subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (1)
or option (2);
said message service system comprises means for routing an incoming
message to an appropriate one of the mailboxes in response to the
number transmitted to the message service system;
wherein said programmed control means selectively controls one of
the means for forwarding and the means for transmitting such
that
(a) if the subscriber associated with the one line has selected
option (3) and the dialed directory number does not correspond to
said preselected one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned
to the one subscriber line, the call is forwarded to the message
service system, and a directory number assigned to the one
subscriber communication line is transmitted to the message service
system; and
(b) if the subscriber associated with the one line has selected
option (3) and the dialed directory number corresponds to said
preselected one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to
the one subscriber communication line, effective forwarding of the
call to the message service system is prevented.
33. A communication system as in claim 32, wherein if the
subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (3) and
the dialed directory number corresponds to said preselected one of
the plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication line, said programmed control means controls the
means for transmitting to prevent transmission of any of the
directory numbers assigned to the one line to the message service
system.
34. A communication system as in claim 32, wherein if the
subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (3) and
the dialed directory number corresponds to said preselected one of
the plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication line, said programmed control means controls the
means for forwarding to block forwarding of the call to the message
service system.
35. A communication system as in claim 32, wherein if the
subscriber associated with the one line has selected option (3) and
the dialed directory number does not correspond to said preselected
one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one
subscriber communication line, the programmed control means control
the transmitting means to transmit the dialed directory number to
the message service system.
36. A communication system in claim 32, wherein if the subscriber
associated with the one line has selected option (3) and the dialed
directory number does not correspond to said preselected one of the
plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication line, the programmed control means control the
transmitting means to transmit a pre-specified one of the directory
numbers assigned to the one line to the message service system.
37. A communication system comprising:
a plurality of subscriber communication lines;
a message service system for processing incoming messages;
a network providing selective communication connections between
said plurality of subscriber communication lines and selectively
providing communication connections between the message service
system and the subscriber communication lines; and
a programmed controller within said network for detecting a call
for one of the subscriber lines which has been assigned a plurality
of directory numbers and controlling the network to forward said
call to the message service system, said call being initiated by
input of one of the directory numbers, wherein:
if a subscriber associated with the one line has previously
selected to have actual input directory numbers transmitted to the
message service system for calls forwarded to the message service
system, the network transmits said input one of the directory
numbers to the message service system; and
if the subscriber has previously selected to have a predetermined
one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one line
transmitted to the message system for all calls forwarded to the
message service system, transmitting the predetermined directory
number to the message service system.
38. A communication system as in claim 37, wherein said message
service system comprises means for processing an incoming message
in a manner selected in response to a number transmitted to the
message service system.
39. In a communication system selectively routing calls to a
plurality of subscriber links and to at least one message service
system, a method comprising the steps of:
detecting a call for one of the subscriber links which has been
assigned a plurality of directory numbers, wherein said call is
initiated by input of one of the directory numbers;
forwarding said call to the message service system;
if a subscriber associated with the one link has previously
selected to have actual input directory numbers transmitted to the
message service system for calls forwarded to the message service
system, transmitting said input one of the directory numbers to the
message service system; and
if the subscriber has previously selected to have a predetermined
one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one link
transmitted to the message system for all calls forwarded to the
message service system, transmitting the predetermined directory
number to the message service system.
40. A method as in claim 39, wherein said subscriber links comprise
lines.
41. A method as in claim 39, further comprising:
using the input one of the directory numbers to control operation
of the message service system if said input one of the directory
numbers is transmitted to the message service system; and
using the predetermined one of the directory numbers to control
operation of the message service system if said predetermined one
of the directory numbers is transmitted to the message service
system.
42. A communication system comprising:
a plurality of subscriber communication means, each for providing a
subscriber communication access to the system;
a message service system for processing incoming messages;
a network providing selective communications between said plurality
of subscriber communication means and selectively providing
communications between the message service system and the
subscriber communication means; and
a programmed controller within said network for detecting a call
for one of the subscriber communication means which has been
assigned a plurality of directory numbers and controlling the
network to forward said call to the message service system, said
call being initiated by input of one of the directory numbers
through another of the subscriber communication means, wherein:
if a subscriber associated with said one subscriber communication
means has previously selected to have actual input directory
numbers transmitted to the message service system for calls
forwarded to the message service system, the network transmits said
input one of the directory numbers to the message service system;
and
if the subscriber associated with said one subscriber communication
means has previously selected to have a predetermined one of the
plurality of directory numbers assigned to the one subscriber
communication means transmitted to the message system for all calls
forwarded to the message service system, transmitting the
predetermined directory number to the message service system.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to communication systems, such as
telephone networks, which provide both distinctive ringing for a
plurality of directory numbers assigned to a single telephone line
and provide forwarding of calls to a message service system, such
as a voice mail system.
BACKGROUND ART
For a number of years, telephone companies have been providing a
service which assigned two or more directory numbers per line and
corresponding distinctive ringing signals. One of the telephone
switch vendors refer to this feature as "Multiple Directory Numbers
per Line" or "MDNL," and the local telephone companies have offered
the service under a variety of names such as "IdentaRing.TM.". With
such a service, the telephone central office switch connected to a
called subscriber's line will apply a different ringing signal to
the line depending on which of the assigned directory numbers the
current caller dialed. For example, if a caller dialed the main
number assigned to the subscriber, the local telephone office
switch may apply a standard ringing signal (two seconds on, four
seconds off) to the called subscriber's line. If the caller dialed
the second number assigned to the subscriber's line, the local
telephone office switch applies a different ringing signal to the
line.
The various ringing signals produce different audible rings at the
subscriber's premises. As a result, persons present at the
subscriber's premises can tell which number the caller dialed
before answering each incoming call. The ability to identify the
dialed number allows the subscriber and persons at the subscriber's
premises to give the numbers to different potential callers for a
variety of different purposes.
For example, if a family subscribes to the service and the
telephone company provides the service via the family's residential
line, the main number might be used for the parents and/or for
general family activities. The secondary number, however, could be
given to a teenage member of the family. Calls producing an audible
ring corresponding to the secondary number would indicate in
advance that an incoming call was for the teenager. In such a case,
the parents might choose not to answer the call. Similarly, if a
subscriber operates a business out of the home, one of the numbers
and corresponding ringing sounds might be used for incoming
business calls.
Another telephone service which has recently become quite popular
is voice mail. With a typical voice mail service, such as those
offered through local telephone companies, a caller dials the
subscriber's telephone number. If the subscriber's line identified
by the subscriber's "mailbox" telephone number is busy or if there
is no answer, the telephone network forwards the call to a voice
mail system. This voice mail system provides an answering prompt
message to the caller. In many systems, this prompt will include a
personalized message recorded by the subscriber, for example the
subscriber's name spoken in the subscriber's own voice. After the
prompt, the voice mail system records a message from the caller in
the called subscriber's mailbox.
Such voice mail systems typically service a large number of
telephone service subscribers. The telephone system forwards data
to the voice mail system identifying the telephone line or station
called. The voice mail system uses this data to retrieve the called
subscriber's personalized prompt and to store incoming messages in
the correct subscriber's mailbox. Typically, the telephone system
forwards the telephone number of the called line to the voice mail
service. Problems have arisen, however, where the called subscriber
also subscribes to a multiple directory number per line type
service such as "IdentaRing.TM.".
In prior art systems, the type of telephone central office switch
to which the called subscriber's line connected determined how the
system would treat calls to subscriber's of both voice mail and a
multiple directory number per line type service. If the switch was
the product of one manufacturer, it might forward calls for the
main number to the voice mail system but block forwarding of calls
when the caller dialed one of the secondary numbers.
Switches from other vendors would always forward the call and
transmit the actual number dialed to the voice mail system for
identification purposes. If the subscriber subscribed to a
different mailbox for each of the numbers, this would allow proper
routing to the individual mailboxes. If the subscriber chose to
subscribe to only a single mailbox, however, the voice mail system
could not process incoming calls identified by numbers other than
the main number, which typically corresponded to the single
mailbox.
Conversely, other switches would forward calls but would only
transmit the main number, corresponding to the line of the called
subscriber. This number would be sufficient if the subscriber has
only one mailbox. If the subscriber has multiple mailboxes,
however, there was no effective way to route incoming calls to the
different mailboxes. To approximate different mailboxes, the voice
mail system could be programmed to offer the single mailbox in
partitioned or subdivided form. To reach a subdivided section
within the mailbox, a caller would have to listen to a general
prompt message and select the proper sub-mailbox, e.g. for the
family in general, for one or both of the parents, for the
teenager, or for the business operated from the home. The
requirement to select which sub-mailbox places an additional burden
on callers and may discourage some callers from leaving a message.
Also, delivery of only the main number could not be used to route
messages to any particular subsection within the mailbox without
the manual selection procedure.
From the above discussion it becomes clear that existing systems do
not provide sufficient flexibility of operation for effective
service to subscribers to both multiple directory number per line
type services and message service systems, such as voice mail
services.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Objectives
The objective of this invention is to improve interactions between
multiple directory number per line type services and message
service systems, such as voice mail systems.
Another objective is to allow a party who subscribes to both
multiple directory number per line type services and voice mail
services considerable flexibility in defining these two services
and how these services interact. In this regard, the interaction of
the two services should be capable of definition, at the
subscriber's option, on a per line basis.
Another objective is to allow a subscriber to define the forwarding
to the message service system from a line to which multiple
directory numbers are assigned in such a manner that the subscriber
can choose to have all such calls routed to a single mailbox or
selectively routed to a plurality of mailboxes. When selectively
routed to a plurality of mailboxes, the different mailboxes can be
assigned to different persons or to different activities of the
subscriber. Alternatively, when selectively routed to a plurality
of mailboxes, the different mailboxes can store different types of
messages (e.g. audible messages and data messages such as
facsimile).
A more specific objective is to allow each subscriber to choose
whether calls to that subscriber's line should be forwarded along
with a single directory number (e.g. the main number) or should be
forwarded along with the number actually dialed.
A further objective is to allow the subscriber to choose to have
forwarded calls for a specified one or more of the multiple
directory numbers assigned to the subscriber's line effectively
disabled in some manner prior storing of any message in a mailbox
of the message service system.
SUMMARY
To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides
communication systems and methods of call processing. Each
subscriber to a multiple directory number per line type service and
to a message service individually selects how these two services
will interact. At each subscriber's option, control data is set on
a per line basis for selecting which directory number(s) the
switching system forwards to the message service system.
In a first aspect, the invention is a call processing method. The
method operates on calls through a communication system including
at least one switching system connected to a plurality of
subscriber lines and connected to a message service system. The
call processing method first determines if forwarding of a call
directed to one of the subscriber lines is necessary. The method
also determines if the one subscriber line has assigned to it a
plurality of directory numbers. If the one subscriber line has
assigned to it more than one directory number, the next step is to
determine which of two options the subscriber associated with the
one subscriber line has selected. One of these options is to have
the directory number actually dialed forwarded to the message
service system, and the other option is to always forward a
predetermined one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to
the one subscriber line. The switching system will forward the call
to the message service system, and transmit a number to the message
service system based on the selected option. In a second aspect,
the invention comprises the communication system itself comprising
the components for performing essentially the steps of the call
processing method.
In a preferred embodiment, the switching system is a telephone
network, for example including at least one local telephone type
central office switch. The subscriber lines in such a system are
telephone lines. The message service system is a voice messaging
type system for providing voice mail services. Such message service
systems comprise means to store audible messages, although today
many such systems also include means to store one or more types of
data message, e.g. facsimile. If the method is implemented in such
a telephone network providing a multiple directory number per line
type service, the preselected directory number identified in the
second option typically would be the primary or "main" directory
telephone number assigned to the called subscriber's telephone
line. The actual numbers dialed by the caller, transmitted under
the first option, would be the individual directory numbers
assigned to the called subscriber's telephone line.
In a further aspect, the invention provides call processing methods
and corresponding communication systems which also provide the
subscriber with three options. If the subscriber has selected
either of the first or second options, the system will process
calls as outlined above. The third option, however, allows the
subscriber to disable certain calls prior to storage of a message
in any of the mailboxes within the message service system. In one
example using the third option, the switching system forwards the
directory number actually dialed to the message service system
unless the directory number actually dialed corresponds to a
preselected one of the plurality of directory numbers assigned to
the one subscriber line. The preselected number here identifies one
of the assigned directory numbers for which the subscriber does not
want incoming calls forwarded or messages stored in the message
service system. If the subscriber has selected this third option,
and the directory number actually dialed does not correspond to the
preselected directory number, the switching system forwards the
call to the message service system, and transmits the directory
number actually dialed to the message service system.
Alternatively, the system is set up to transmit the predetermined
or "main" number, instead of the actual number dialed. If the
dialed number actually corresponds to the preselected number, the
system disables message storage in one of several ways discussed
below.
The storage of messages by the message service system can be
prevented in a number of different ways. In one procedure, the
system blocks forwarding altogether. Thus calls using the directory
number designated for disabling are terminated by the switching
system, for example by connection to a busy tone, without
forwarding of the calls to the message service system. In the
preferred alternative, the call is forwarded to the message service
system, but the transmission of data to the message service system
does not include a telephone number. As a result, the message
service system can not route messages to any particular mailbox.
The message service system therefore provides an error message to
the caller and disconnects the call.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention
will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in
part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is simplified block diagram of a communication system
implementing the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a first embodiment of the
inventive call processing routine.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a second embodiment of the
inventive call processing routine.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In its simplest form, shown in FIG. 1, the communication system of
the present invention includes at least one switching system 10 and
at least one message service system, such as voice messaging
equipment 20. The switching system 10 may be a local telephone
central office switch. FIG. 1 illustrates only those elements of
the central office switch which are significant for purposes of
discussion of the present invention.
The switching system 10 includes a switching matrix 11, a central
processing unit 13, an input/output device 15 and one or more data
communication units 17. Structurally, the switching system 10 is a
standard central office telephone switch. The software of the
central processing unit, however, has been modified so that during
call forwarding to a message service system the central processing
unit 13 will selectively output different numbers for transmission
to the message service system. The central processor software will
determine which number to send based on stored data set at the
called subscriber's option, on a per line basis, as will be
discussed in detail with regard to FIGS. 2 and 3.
Each subscriber has at least one piece of customer premises
equipment, illustrated as telephone station sets 31, 33 in the
drawing. Local telephone lines 35, 37 serve as communication links
between each of the telephone station sets 31, 33 and the switching
system 10. Many subscribers will have additional equipment
connected to their telephone lines, and in many cases the
additional equipment will send or receive messages other than voice
messages. A variety of data communication devices have become
common. As an illustrative example, FIG. 1 shows a facsimile or
"FAX" machine 33' connected to telephone line 37 in parallel with
telephone station set 33.
For ease of understanding, this disclosure describes dialing in
terms of manual operations performed by a calling person operating
keys or push-buttons on a telephone station set such as 31 or 33. A
person of skill in the art will recognize, however, that dialing
operations also can be performed by a wide variety of manually
operated and automatic means. Dialing can produce rotary pulse
dialing signals or dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals, and
dialing can be entirely manual, automatic in response to a manual
actuation of a speed dialing key or a set of keys indicating an
abbreviated dialing code, or entirely automatic. An example of an
automatic dialing would be a timed auto-dialing operation by FAX
machine 33' to initiate message transmission after a period of time
or at some preselected time when telephone rates are minimal.
The message service system comprises a voice messaging equipment
20. Although referred to as "voice" messaging equipment, equipment
20 may have the capability of storing messages of a variety of
different types. For example, the incoming messages may be audible
messages, such as voice messages. Other messages may be text data
messages. The voice messaging equipment 20 may also store messages
in an image data format such as facsimile. Message service systems
having the capability to store messages in a variety of audible and
data formats are known, see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,926 to Misholi
and U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,700 to Matthews et al.
The voice messaging equipment 20 includes a switch 21, a central
processing unit 23, a number of voice processing units (VPU) 25 and
a data communication unit 27. A digital network 29 carries data
signals between the central processing unit 23 and the voice
processing units 25. The network 29 also carries stored messages,
in digital form, between the various voice processing units 25. The
voice messaging equipment 20 also includes T1 type digital links 28
between the switch 21 and each of the voice processing units 25.
Messaging equipment of the type shown in simplified form in FIG. 1
is currently available from a number of vendors, such as Octel and
Boston Technologies, Inc.
The voice messaging equipment 20 connects to the switching system
10 via a data line 41 between the data unit 17 in the switching
system and the data unit 27 in the voice messaging equipment. The
line 41 carries data signals between the voice messaging equipment
20 and the switching system 10. The data line 41 may be a
simplified message desk interface (SMDI) type trunk or an
integrated services digital network (ISDN) facility into the
central office exchange switching system 10. For example, FIG. 1
shows an SMDI type data line 41, and further discussions generally
refer to the exemplary SMDI type line.
The voice messaging equipment 20 also connects to the switching
system 10 via a series of access lines 43 between the switch matrix
11 within the switching system and the switch 21 of the voice
message equipment. The access lines 43 may be a multi-line hunt
group, formed by a number of T1 type trunk circuits which each
carry 24 voice channels in digital time division multiplexed
format. The access lines may also be provisioned via an ISDN
facility. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 uses T1 type access
lines, and further discussions will concentrate on that exemplary
embodiment of the access lines. When the switching system 10
directs a call to the voice messaging equipment 20, whether as a
forwarded call or as a direct call in response to dialing of a
number for accessing the equipment 20, the switching system places
the call on any available channel on the multi-line hunt group
lines 43.
The switching system 10 can also connect to other message service
systems through additional data sets 17 and associated data lines.
Although not shown, additional sets of access lines would connect
the switching matrix 11 to the equipment within the additional
message service systems. Furthermore, if desired, the voice
messaging equipment 20 may be connected to receive calls and
associated data transmissions from other switching systems similar
to system 10.
The central processor unit 23 of the voice messaging equipment
typically is a personal computer type device programmed to control
overall operations of the voice messaging equipment. Each of the
voice processing units 25 also is a personal computer type device.
The digital network 29 interconnecting the central processing unit
23 and the voice processing units 25 may be any conventional data
network for communication between computers and/or associated
peripheral devices. One such network is Ethernet.
The voice processing units include or connect to one or more
digital mass storage type memory units (not shown) in which the
actual messages are stored. The mass storage units, for example,
may comprise magnetic disc type memory devices.
Although not specifically illustrated in the drawing, the voice
processing units 25 also include analog to digital coder and
digital to analog decoder (CODEC) units and a T1 interface. Each
CODEC converts incoming analog messages to digital format for
storage and converts stored digital messages to analog for
transmission to callers. Each of the T1 interfaces in the voice
processing units 25 converts analog signals from the CODEC into
digital signals in a format appropriate for transmission over
telephone network type T1 trunk circuits and places packets of the
digitized data into outgoing time slots on the connected T1 line
28. The T1 interface also demultiplexes and converts to analog
incoming signals from the connected T1 line 28, and supplies the
analog signals to the CODEC. A T1 line typically carries the
equivalent of 24 voice grade communication channels, and the T1
interfaces and CODEC units of the voice processing unit 25 are
capable of simultaneously processing 24 voice grade
conversations.
When the switching system 10 forwards a call to the voice messaging
equipment 20, the switching system 10 transmits data to the central
processing unit 23 of the voice messaging equipment indicating
which line of the hunt group, i.e. which T1 trunk and which channel
on the trunk, that the new call will come in on. This data is
transmitted via the data line 41.
The exchange also transmits data via the SMDI trunk or ISDN type
data line 41 to indicate what subscriber the call relates to. In
the simplest example, where the called subscriber has only one
assigned number, the subscriber identifying data would be the
directory number assigned to the called subscriber's line. The
central processing unit 23 uses the hunt group line information and
the subscriber's directory number to internally route the forwarded
call though switch 21 and one of the internal T1 links 28 to an
available voice processing unit 25.
For each party who subscribes to the voice mail service provided by
the voice messaging equipment, the central processing unit 23
stores information designating one of the voice processing units 25
as the "home" unit for that subscriber. Each voice processing unit
25 stores generic elements of prompt messages in a common area of
its memory. Personalized elements of prompt messages, for example
recorded representations of each subscriber's name spoken in the
subscriber's own voice, are stored in designated memory locations
within the subscriber's "home" voice processing unit.
Each time a call comes in to the voice message equipment, the
central processing unit 23 controls the switch 21 to provide a
multiplexed voice channel connection through to one of the voice
processing units 25. Typically, the call connection goes to the
"home" voice processing unit for the relevant subscriber. The
message service subscriber is identified by data transmitted from
the switching system 10, as described above, if the call is a
forwarded call. Alternatively, the subscriber is identified by data
transmitted by the subscriber when the subscriber calls in to
access the subscriber's mailbox to retrieve stored messages or to
activate other services provided by the voice messaging equipment.
If all 24 T1 channels to the "home" voice processing unit are
engaged, the central processing unit 23 controls switch 21 to route
the call to another voice processing unit 25 which is currently
available.
The voice processing unit connected to the call retrieves prompt
messages and/or previously stored messages from its memory and
transmits them back to the calling party via its CODEC and T1
interface, the internal T1 line 28, switch 21, a T1 channel within
one of the access lines 43, switch matrix 11 and the calling arty's
telephone line 35 or 37. The voice processing unit 25 connected to
the call receives incoming messages from the caller through a
similar route and stores those messages in digital form in its
associated mass storage device.
When the incoming call is a forwarded call, the connected voice
processing unit 25 provides an answering prompt message to the
caller, typically including a personalized message recorded by the
called subscriber. After the prompt, the voice processing unit 25
records a message from the caller and identifies that stored
message as one for the subscriber's mailbox.
At times the connected voice processing unit will not have all
necessary outgoing messages stored within its own associated
memory. For example, a forwarded call normally will be connected to
the called subscriber's "home" voice processing unit 25, but if the
home unit is not available the forwarded call will be connected to
a voice processing unit 25 other than the subscriber's home voice
processing unit. In such a case, the connected unit 25 requests and
receives from the home unit 25 the personalized components of the
answering prompt message via the data network 29. The connected
voice processing unit 25 will store any incoming message in its own
associated memory together with data identifying the message as one
stored for the called subscriber's mailbox. As a result, the system
20 actually may store a number of messages for any given subscriber
or mailbox in several different voice processing units 25.
Subsequently, when the subscriber calls in to the voice messaging
system to access the mailbox, the call is connected to one voice
processing unit 25. Again, this call typically goes to the home
unit but would go to a different available unit if the home unit is
not available at the time. In response to appropriate DTMF control
signals received from the subscriber, the connected voice
processing unit retrieves the subscriber's messages from its own
memory and plays the messages back to the subscriber. If any
messages are stored in other voice processing units, the connected
unit 25 requests and receives from the other units 25 any messages
for the subscriber's mailbox those units have actually stored.
In message service systems of the type discussed above, a
subscriber's "mailbox" does not actually correspond to a particular
area of memory. Instead, the messages are stored in each "mailbox"
by storing appropriate identification or tag data to identify the
subscriber or subscriber's mailbox which each message corresponds
to.
For normal telephone operation, for example when a caller at one
telephone station 33 wants to call a person at another telephone
station 31, the caller lifts the handset of the telephone station
set off-hook and dials a directory telephone number assigned to the
destination telephone line 35. If the destination telephone line 35
has only one assigned directory number, the switching system 10
determines whether line 35 is available, and if so, applies a
standard two-on four-off type ringing signal to line 35. If a
person is present at the called destination, the person lifts the
handset of telephone 31 off-hook, and the call is completed.
Assume, for example, that the subscriber assigned to line 35
subscribes to the voice mail service provided by voice messaging
equipment 20. As part of this subscription, the central processing
unit 13 will store data indicating that call forwarding is active
for the line 35 and an indication that forwarded calls should be
routed to the voice messaging equipment 20. In this case, when the
party using telephone 33 dials the directory number assigned to
line 35, if the line is busy or the call goes unanswered for a set
period of time, the switching system 10 forwards the call to the
voice messaging equipment 20, as described in more detail
below.
When a customer subscribes to a multiple directory number per line
type service, such as the Bell Atlantic service referred to as
IdentaRing.TM., that subscriber's line is assigned a main directory
telephone number, and one to three secondary numbers. As discussed
in detail below, calls coming in based on a dialing of the main
number result in a standard ringing sound; and calls coming in
based on a dialing of one of the secondary numbers result in a
corresponding distinctive ringing sound.
Now assume that the subscriber assigned to line 37 subscribes to a
Multiple Directory Numbers per Line or "MDNL" type service. When a
party using telephone set 31 calls a person at the premises of
telephone 33, the person using telephone 31 lifts the handset
off-hook and dials one of the numbers assigned to line 37. The
switching system 10 determines whether line 37 is available, and if
so, applies a ringing signal to line 35 which corresponds to the
dialed one of the assigned numbers. For example, if the caller at
station 31 dialed the main number assigned to the subscriber line
37, the switching system 10 applies a standard ringing signal (two
seconds on, four seconds off) to the subscriber's line. If the
caller dialed a second or subsequent number assigned to the line
37, the switching system 10 applies a corresponding distinctive
ringing signal to the line. If a person is present at the called
destination, the person knows which number the caller dialed based
on the ringing sound produced by telephone set 33. If the person
decides to answer the call, they lift the handset of telephone 33
off-hook, and the call is completed.
In recent years, control devices have been developed which detect
the different types of ringing signals applied to telephone lines
having a multiple directory numbers per line type service. These
control devices trigger an associated piece of customer premises
equipment, such as a facsimile device, an answering machine etc.,
such that the controlled equipment responds to calls only upon
receipt of a selected one of the possible incoming ringing signals.
This type of control serves to route calls for a selected one of
the directory numbers, corresponding to the selected ringing
signal, to the one equipment controlled by the device. For example,
if such a control device is built into or otherwise associated with
the FAX device 33', and programmed to respond to the ringing signal
corresponding to one of the secondary directory numbers, the
control device will activate the FAX machine only upon detection of
the selected ringing signal. Thus calls coming in for the secondary
number are directed to the FAX machine 33' as facsimile type calls,
and the FAX machine 33' will execute a standard reception procedure
or a polling responsive transmission procedure.
If the voice messaging equipment 20 has the capability to handle
both voice messages and fax messages, the subscriber can choose to
have one number of those assigned to the line correspond to a data
device such as FAX machine 33'. The central processing unit 23
would store data to control operation of the switch 21 and the
voice processing units 25 such that forwarded calls associated with
that directory number would be routed to a voice processing unit 25
with the capability of storing and retrieving the subscriber's
messages in facsimile format.
FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the call processing method of the
present invention wherein at least some subscribers have both
multiple directory number's assigned to one line and a voice
messaging service provided for calls forwarded from that line. As
shown, a first step S1 in the method is to determine whether
forwarding of a call directed to the line is necessary.
If forwarding is not necessary, the system processes the call in
the normal manner. If the line is busy, the switching system may
terminate the call to a busy tone or further process the call in a
manner depending upon the features assigned to the line, e.g., call
waiting, etc. If the line is available, the switching system 10
applies a ringing signal to the line and connects the line from
which the call originated to the called line through the switching
matrix 11. In cases where the called line is assigned a plurality
of directory numbers, the ringing signal applied will correspond to
whichever one of the assigned numbers the caller actually
dialed.
The central processing unit 13 of the switching system 10 stores a
translation table. The translation table includes data regarding
the services provided to each telephone line, such as line 35 or
line 37, which are connected to the switching system 10. Among the
information stored in the translation table is an indication of
whether to provide call forwarding for calls directed to any
identified subscriber line.
There are a number of types of call forwarding provided by
telephone networks. In the most common form, calls are forwarded
when the system can not complete the call, e.g. because the line is
busy or the call goes unanswered. For forwarding of the unanswered
calls, the subscriber can specify a ringing interval, and after
expiration of this interval without an answer, the system considers
the call unanswered and forwards the call. Another type of call
forwarding, referred to as "variable" call forwarding, causes
forwarding at times when the subscriber has activated the service.
The system forwards calls to a number which the subscriber input at
the time of service activation, by using DTMF dialing signals. The
subscriber typically activates variable call forwarding by dialing
*72 on the line and typically deactivates forwarding by dialing *73
on the line. Another type of call forwarding forwards particular
calls based on the directory number of the line from which an
incoming call originates.
The present invention is useful with each type of call forwarding.
For example, using variable call forwarding, if the subscriber
wanted to stop incoming calls for some period, the subscriber would
dial *72 and the directory number for the multi-line hunt group 43
into the voice messaging equipment 20. Subsequently, the switching
system 10 would route all calls directed to the subscriber's line
to the voice messaging equipment until such time as the subscriber
dials *73 to cancel this call forwarding. To work with the various
different kinds of call forwarding, the translation table stored
within the central processing unit 13 therefore also stores data
indicating the type of call forwarding subscribed to and/or the
criteria on which the decision to forward is based.
To determine whether or not the current call should be forwarded,
as shown at step S1, the central processing unit 13 retrieves from
the translation table data associated with the called subscriber
line indicating whether or not to provide call forwarding and the
criteria for determining whether or not to forward a particular
call. For example, if the system provides the subscriber a call
forwarding whenever a call can not be completed, the data indicates
that call forwarding service is active and that calls must be
forwarded if the called subscriber line is busy or does not answer
within a set number of ringing signals. The central processing unit
then determines if the called line is busy or the call has gone
unanswered for the specified number of rings, and thereby
determines that forwarding of the current call is necessary.
If step S2 results in a determination that forwarding of the call
is necessary, the method proceeds with a determination of whether
or not the called subscriber line has assigned to it a plurality of
directory numbers, as shown at step S2 in FIG. 2. To perform this
step the central processing unit 13 now accesses the translation
table and retrieves data associated with the called subscriber
indicating whether or not to provide a multiple directory number
per line (MDNL) type service to this particular subscriber's
line.
If the called line is not associated with an MDNL type multiple
number service as determined at step S2, the switching system
forwards the call to the voice messaging equipment 20 in the normal
manner. For example, the telephone network switching system 10
forwards the voice grade call to the voice messaging equipment via
a T1 channel on the multi-line hunt group type access lines 43. The
central processor unit 13 also provides the single directory number
assigned to the called line to the input/output device 15 and
therethrough to the data unit 17 for transmission via the SMDI data
line 41 and data unit 27 to the central processing unit 23. The
central processing unit 23 uses the received directory number to
control the switch 21 and one of the voice processing units 25 to
provide appropriate personalized prompts and to store voice
messages from the caller in the called subscriber's mailbox.
If the called line is associated with an MDNL type multiple number
service as determined at step S2, the central processing system 13
proceeds with execution of step S3. At step S3 the central
processing unit 23 accesses appropriate data in the translation
table to determine which option the subscriber previously selected.
The first option (1) is to send the directory number actually
dialed to the message service system with the forwarding of each
call, and the second option (2) is to always transmit a
predetermined number to the voice messaging equipment. The
predetermined number is one of the multiple directory numbers
assigned to the one subscriber line, and typically this one number
is the main directory number which the switching system 10
associates with the called subscriber line.
If the subscriber selected option (1), the telephone network
switching system 10 forwards the voice grade call to the voice
messaging equipment 20 as shown at step S4. The system 10 forwards
the call via a T1 channel on the multi-line hunt group type access
lines 43. Also, the directory number actually dialed is transmitted
to the voice messaging equipment 20 in step S5. Specifically, the
central processor unit 13 provides the directory number actually
dialed to the input/output device 15 and therethrough to the data
unit 17 for transmission via the SMDI (or ISDN) data line 41 and
data unit 27 to the central processing unit 23. The central
processor unit 23 uses the received directory number to control the
switch 21 and one of the voice processing units 25 to provide
appropriate personalized prompts and to store voice messages from
the caller in a mailbox specifically identified by the received
directory number, as shown at step S8.
As a result of transmitting the actual number dialed for each call
directed to a subscriber's line having a multiple directory number
service, the voice messaging equipment can provide different
personalized prompts corresponding to each of the assigned
directory numbers. Also, the voice messaging equipment stores
incoming messages in different mailboxes corresponding to the
different directory numbers actually dialed. The different numbers
and mailboxes can be assigned to different persons residing at the
subscriber's premises. For example, calls to one number would be
for the parents, and the parents' messages would go into one
corresponding nailbox. Calls to a second number may be for a
teenager, and messages for the teenager would go into a separate
second mailbox. Alternatively, if the voice messaging equipment is
set up to store both voice and data messages, the different numbers
and mailboxes can be assigned to different types of communication,
i.e. voice or data.
Also, if the subscriber has data devices of two different types,
e.g. text and facsimile, and the message service system can handle
both types of data, the message service system can provide the
subscriber a different mailbox for each type of data. Calls
associated with different data devices would use different assigned
directory numbers and corresponding distinctive ringing signals.
The message service system would use the received directory number
to store messages of different data types in different mailboxes.
This processing may be useful even if the message service system
was of a type which did not process voice messages.
Returning to step S3, if the central processing unit 13 determined
that the subscriber has selected option (2), call processing
proceeds to step S6. At this point, the switching system 10
forwards the voice grade call to the voice messaging equipment 20
via a T1 channel on the multi-line hunt group type access lines 43.
Also, the predetermined directory number is transmitted to the
voice messaging equipment 20 in step S7. The central processor unit
13 provides the predetermined directory number, typically the main
number, to the input/output device 15. The input/output device 15
transfers the predetermined directory number to the data unit 17
for transmission via the SMDI (or ISDN) data line 41 and data unit
27 to the central processing unit 23. The central processor unit 23
uses the received directory number to control the switch 21 and one
of the voice processing units 25 to provide appropriate
personalized prompts and to store voice messages from the caller in
a mailbox identified by the received directory number, as shown at
step S8. As a result of this processing of each call directed to
the subscriber's line, the voice messaging equipment provides a
single set of personalized prompts for all calls forwarded from the
line regardless of the directory number actually dialed, regardless
of which of the assigned numbers the caller actually dialed. Also,
the voice messaging equipment stores incoming messages in a single
mailbox assigned to the subscriber.
The single mailbox can be internally partitioned, but to reach
separate sub-mailboxes for different persons the voice messaging
equipment would send out a prompt for a selection. The caller would
push one or more buttons on a DTMF telephone to indicate which
sub-mailbox to access. After the DTMF selection, the voice
messaging equipment may provide a personalized prompt corresponding
to a selected sub-section of the mailbox, then store messages in
that part of the partitioned mailbox. Typically, the rates for a
single mailbox, even if partitioned, are lower than the rates
charged for a corresponding number of separate mailboxes. The need
for selection inputs by the caller, however, makes the partitioned
mailbox somewhat less convenient to use.
The order of the three determinations made in steps S1 to S3 is
illustrative only, and other orders of the determination steps will
achieve the desired call routing. For example, the determination of
whether or not forwarding is necessary may follow the determination
of whether or not the called subscriber line has assigned to it a
plurality of directory numbers.
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the call processing method of
the present invention wherein certain subscribers have both
multiple directory number's assigned to one line and a voice
messaging service provided for calls forwarded from that line. As
shown, a first step S11 in the method is to determine whether
forwarding of a call directed to the line is necessary. The central
processing unit 13 determines whether or not the current call
should be forwarded, as shown at step S11, in the manner discussed
in detail above with regard to step S1 of FIG. 2. As in the
previous embodiment, if forwarding is not necessary, the system
processes the call in the normal manner.
If forwarding is necessary, the method proceeds with a
determination of whether or not the called subscriber line has
assigned to it a plurality of directory numbers, as shown at step
S12 in FIG. 3. To perform this step the central processing unit 13
now retrieves from the translation table data indicating whether or
not the to provide a multiple directory number per line (MDNL) type
service to this called subscriber's line. If the called line is not
associated with an MDNL type multiple number service as detected at
step S12, the switching system 10 forwards the call to the voice
messaging equipment 20 in the normal manner.
If the called line is associated with an MDNL type multiple number
service, as detected at step S12, the central processing system 13
proceeds with execution of step S13. At step S13 the central
processing unit 23 accesses appropriate data in the translation
table to determine which option the subscriber previously
selected.
As in the FIG. 2 embodiment, the first option (1) is to send the
directory number actually dialed to the message service system with
the forwarding of each call, and the second option (2) is to always
transmit a predetermined number to the voice messaging equipment.
The predetermined number is one of the multiple directory numbers
assigned to the one subscriber line, and again typically this one
number is the main directory number which the switching system 10
associates with the called subscriber line.
If the subscriber selected option (1), the telephone network
switching system 10 forwards the voice grade call to the voice
messaging equipment 20 as shown at step S14. Also, the directory
number actually dialed is transmitted to the voice messaging
equipment 20 in step S15. The system 10 forwards the call and
transmits the actual dialed directory number in the manner
discussed above with regard to the steps S4 and S5 of FIG. 2. The
central processor unit 23 uses the received directory number to
control the switch 21 and one of the voice processing units 25 to
provide appropriate personalized prompts and to store voice
messages from the caller in a mailbox specifically identified by
the received directory number, as shown at step S18.
Returning to step S13, if the central processing unit 13 determined
that the subscriber has previously selected option (2), call
processing proceeds to step S6. At this point, the switching system
10 forwards the voice grade call to the voice messaging equipment
20. Also, the predetermined directory number is transmitted to the
voice messaging equipment 20 in step S17. The actual forwarding and
number transmissions of steps S16 and S17 are performed in the same
manner as discussed above with regard to the steps S6 and S7 of
FIG. 2. The central processor unit 23 uses the received directory
number to control the switch 21 and one of the voice processing
units 25 to provide appropriate personalized prompts and to store
voice messages from the caller in a mailbox identified by the
received directory number, as shown at step S18.
To this point, the processing is essentially the same as that of
FIG. 2, with the exception that step S13 determined which of three
options the called subscriber previously selected. The third option
(3) indicates a desire to prevent routing and/or processing of the
call in a manner which would result in message storage by the voice
messaging equipment for calls to one or more specified numbers from
the set of numbers assigned to the subscriber's line. This
prevention of storage can be performed in a number of ways, of
which FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment. Alternative
approaches to preventing message storage will be discussed
later.
In the illustrated embodiment, option (3) is to have the system
forward calls and transmit actual dialed directory number unless
the actual number dialed is one for which the called subscriber has
requested prevention of routing to the mailbox(es). If in step S13
it was determined that the subscriber selected option (3), the call
processing method proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the central
processing unit 13 compares the actual dialed directory number to
the one or more numbers the called subscriber has preselected for
message blocking. If the dialed number does not correspond to one
of the preselected numbers, the method proceeds to step S14. The
telephone network switching system 10 forwards the voice grade call
to the voice messaging equipment 20, as shown at step S14, the
directory number actually dialed is transmitted to the voice
messaging equipment 20 in step S15, and the voice messaging
equipment 20 uses the received directory to provide the
personalized prompts and store incoming voice messages from the
caller in a mailbox specifically identified by the received
directory number, as shown at step S18.
If the comparison in step S19 results in a determination that the
number actually dialed corresponds to one of the preselected
numbers, the method proceeds with prevention of call completion to
the subscriber's mailbox(es). The switching system 10 can actually
block forwarding of the call to the voice messaging equipment 20.
In the illustrated embodiment, the call is forwarded to the voice
messaging equipment 20 at step S20. The switching system 10,
however, does not transmit any directory number (step S21) for use
by voice messaging equipment 20 in processing the call.
Consequently, the voice messaging equipment 20 does not have
sufficient information to properly route the call and treats the
call as an error. In step S22, the voice messaging equipment
transmits an error message to the caller. The error message can be
a tone, such as a busy signal, or a synthesized speech prompt
message of some sort informing the caller that the call has been
forwarded but otherwise can not be completed as dialed. After the
error message, the voice messaging equipment 20 terminates the call
at step S23.
This prevention of completion to the subscriber's mailbox can be
useful in a variety of situations. For example, the subscriber at
station 33 may have a FAX machine 33' set up to respond to the
distinctive ringing signal corresponding to the second assigned
directory number, but the messaging equipment 20 may not be capable
of processing facsimile information. In this case the subscriber
would designate the second number for blocking. Calls using the
main number would be forwarded and processed by the voice messaging
equipment 20 in the manner discussed above. Facsimile calls,
however, would result in an error message. The error message would
not correspond to any one of the handshaking tones normally
transmitted by an answering facsimile machine. As a result, the
calling facsimile machine would not receive an expected handshake
signal and would assume the call was not properly completed.
The prevention of completion to the subscriber's mailbox provided
by the method of FIG. 3 would also allow a subscriber to select to
route calls using the main number and a second number used for
business purposes to the appropriate voice mailboxes. At the
subscriber's option, calls to a third directory number assigned to
a teenage member of the subscriber's household may result only in
the error message transmission and termination without storage of
an incoming message. The subscriber therefore need not pay for a
separate mailbox for the teenager.
As mentioned earlier, the present invention can use a number of
alternate procedures when blocking storage of messages for calls
using certain preselected numbers. For example, the switching
system may forward the call to an internal error message source
such as a busy tone generator. Thus calls using a preselected
number would not be forwarded to the message service system. In
another alternative, the step S20 would be altered to send a dummy
number which system 20 would recognize as an error.
The method of FIG. 3 may also be modified so that instead of
sending the actual number dialed, the switching system 10 would
transmit only a predetermined one of the assigned numbers, when the
call is not to be blocked. Recall that if the decision in step S19
was that the dialed number did not correspond to one of the
preselected numbers, the method proceeded to step S14. With this
latest modified procedure, if the dialed number does not correspond
to one of the preselected numbers, the method proceeds instead to
step S16. At this point, the switching system 10 forwards the voice
grade call to the voice messaging equipment 20, the preselected
directory number is transmitted to the voice messaging equipment 20
in step S17, and the voice messaging equipment uses the received
number to provide personalized prompts and to incoming voice
messages in a single mailbox identified by the received directory
number, as shown at step S8.
Set up and/or modification of services provided by the present
invention will now be described. To subscribe to new telephone
services or modify existing services, particularly those discussed
above, a customer typically will call in to a business office of
the local telephone company. A customer representative or sales
person will conduct a conversation with the customer regarding new
services or modifications which the customer desires. During this
conversation, the sales person uses a computer terminal to display
information regarding available services and information about the
calling customer, if that person is an existing subscriber. The
sales person will also use the terminal to enter selections of new
services or modifications of existing services, as selected by the
calling customer during the conversation.
For example, the terminal would display an indication that a voice
mail service is available through the local telephone company. The
sales person would discuss this service with the calling customer.
If the customer chooses to subscribe to the voice mail service, the
sales person inputs this selection via the computer terminal. Since
call forwarding is required for voice mail service, the input
information would also indicate that the telephone company is to
provide some form of call forwarding to this subscriber. The sales
person would also discuss the number of rings or time interval the
customer desires before an unanswered call will be forwarded to the
message service system, and would input an appropriate selection
from the subscriber.
Another available service would be a multiple directory number per
line (MDNL) type service, such as IdentaRing.TM.. The sales person
would discuss this service with the calling customer. If the
customer chooses to subscribe to the MDNL service, the sales person
inputs this selection via the computer terminal. If the customer
has now selected both the voice mail service and the MDNL service,
the sales person's terminal would now display and the sales person
would explain the two (FIG. 2) or three (FIG. 3) options
available.
Assume now for simplicity that the local telephone company offers
the two options discussed above with regard to FIG. 2. With the
first option, the subscriber has each of the assigned directory
numbers transmitted as actually dialed for each call. Transmission
of each directory number to the voice messaging equipment allows
storage in a plurality of separate mailboxes. The sales person
therefore would input the selection of the first option and any
further information needed to set up the separate mailboxes in the
voice messaging equipment in correspondence to the different
assigned directory numbers. If facsimile or data communications are
involved, this latest input information would indicate which
assigned number the customer wants associated with the data or
facsimile type message communication. The second option allows the
subscriber to choose to have the switching system transfer only one
number, presumably the main number, to the voice messaging
equipment. Correspondingly, the subscriber would choose to
subscribe to a single mailbox provided by the voice mail service.
At this point, the sales person may also offer the customer the
ability to partition the mailbox. After description of this option
and the corresponding choice to partition or not partition the
mailbox, the sales person inputs the customer's selection into the
terminal. Similar procedures would be used to input all necessary
information to provide the subscriber the three options available
with the call processing method of FIG. 3.
The above discussed procedures would continue for all other
services offered by the local telephone company. After the sales
person and the customer have discussed all of the available
services, and the sales person has entered all of the selection
data, the computer system executes a validation routine to insure
that all data inputs are complete and compatible with existing
network services and procedures. For example, the validation
routine would prevent entry of service changes that would create
infinite processing loops that would cause telephone network
switches to malfunction. Once validated, appropriate portions of
the new or modified service data are transferred into the central
processing unit 13 and the central processing unit 23, to make the
services subscribed to available on the subscriber's line. The
above described procedures for programming the communication system
to provide a customer with new or modified special services can be
executed using the recent change programming system disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,511.
From the above detailed description it becomes clear that the
present invention provides improved control over the interactions
between a multiple directory number per line type service and a
message storage service. In particular, the invention allows each
subscriber assigned to an individual telephone line useful options
to select how these two services are set up and relate to each
other so as to customize these services to the subscriber's unique
needs.
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